Ratings, Likes, Survey, and Reviews oh my!
In today’s day and age the commerce of likes and reviews drives many consumer’s purchases and informs choices around everything from buying a pair of shoes to which movies to see.
Are you tired of the same old, same old cliche reviews? Help your students understand these simple strategies for constructing any type of arts and media review, from a movie to a video game.
1. Understand the purpose of a review
As a writer of reviews, we want to ensure our readers trust us and in order to do that, we need to ensure we have a clear understanding of our mission.
- Convey honest and fair criticism—pro or con. Usually a good review contains both elements, but not necessarily in balance.
- Offer a unique perspective reflecting the product as a whole and stressing a significant, fresh angle.
- Cite tangible, observable evidence
- Build on accurate observation with appropriate reporting (listening, watching, reading, as well as interviewing sources)
- Make the reader feel, “That’s right! That’s what I thought and felt even though I couldn’t express myself in those words.”
2. Learn from the experts
One of the best ways to learn about how to write a review is to read examples from professionals who do this for a living. Here are some quick links to some of the most respected professional media reviewers. Observe how they use detail, description, and provide an opinion on the work being reviewed.
Here are some resources to get you started:
3. Observe, observe, observe
A review should be a writer’s opinion on the QUALITY of the subject matter; this is not an attempt to summarize the novel or divulge the ending of a film.
The main purpose is to tell readers what you thought about the topic being reviewed. Also, don’t get too wrapped up in the author, producer, or musician; becareful not to write a biography—rather, critique the work itself. For example, was the plot believable? Did the storyline move you? Was the music original and innovative?
Engage with the medium being reviewed: In order to successfully write a review, it’s important to actually see, listen, read, watch, taste, or visit whatever it is that is being reviewed. I use a Planning Form the guides students through how to document their initial impressions after engaging with the work being reviewed. Consider strengths and weaknesses of what they are observing. Think about what readers would most want to know about what you are reviewing. Don’t summarize plots, keep observations on quality.
4. Practice developing your personal style
Before we write our formal review, we practice developing our personal voice with a few sample shorter pieces. One fun way to practice writing reviews is to watch a short musical called 21 Chump Street, written by Lin Manuel Miranda.
I like to show this short musical based on a true story, to guide students through the process of observation. It allows them to observe costumes, music, acting, choreography, and plot all in a short 14-minute video.
Here are some sample questions to help students guide students through their viewing and observation:
What are your first impressions of:
5. Get organized
Once students have documented and observed the key elements of the work they are reviewing, it’s time to organize the content in a way that makes sense to readers.
First, start with some content goals:
